“Tomb Raider” Game Writer Departs Franchise

Gaming studio Crystal Dynamics have announced that Rhianna Pratchett, who has served as the lead writer on both the 2013 “Tomb Raider” reboot and the recent follow-up “Rise of the Tomb Raider,” has left the company.

Pratchett was awarded by the Writers Guild of America for her work on the games sequel, took home another honor at the D.I.C.E. Awards 2016, and was nominated by Writer’s Guild of Great Britain for the original 2013 reboot. She’s seen as the key person behind the success of this recent take on the property. Both have issued statements:

CRYSTAL DYNAMICS: “Rhianna is off to pursue new adventures separate from the Tomb Raider franchise,” they wrote in a statement. “Rhianna was instrumental in helping us find Lara’s voice in the 2013 origin story, and through Rise of the Tomb Raider she shaped Lara into the evolving heroine we know today. The entire team thanks Rhianna for her dedication and tireless efforts on the games.”

PRATCHETT: “So, I’m packing up my climbing axe plus a little venison jerky for the road, and bidding a fond farewell to Lara. Onwards to new adventures. I want to thank the Crystal Dynamics team for their dedication especially Josh Stafford, Cameron Suey, and Noah Hughes. Guys, it’s been emotional. But, I like to think we did some good things. Maybe shifted the gaming landscape a wee bit. And that feels damn good. I also want to thank TR’s terrific fan community. You really are the best in the world. Constantly helping me remember why I do this job.”

Pratchett’s other gaming work has included the original “Mirror’s Edge,” the 2008 “Prince of Persia,” reboot, the 2014 “Thief” reboot, and the much acclaimed “BioShock Infinite”.

A third game in the rebooted “Tomb Raider” series hasn’t been officially announced yet though is rumored to be in the works.